“Miles Ahead”: Ex-BCCI Selector claims Krunal Pandya offers more than Axar Patel – Kris Srikkanth Backs Krunal Pandya Over Axar Patel for India T20I Return

The Case for Krunal Pandya’s International Comeback

The landscape of Indian T20 cricket is perpetually evolving, and former chief selector Kris Srikkanth has reignited a fascinating debate regarding the composition of the national squad. Following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) dominant display in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 against the Gujarat Titans, Srikkanth has championed Krunal Pandya as the superior all-round option for India, explicitly suggesting he should replace Axar Patel in the T20I setup.

A Masterclass Against Gujarat Titans

RCB’s 92-run victory over the Gujarat Titans served as the perfect stage for the discussion. Krunal Pandya was instrumental in this win, delivering a comprehensive performance that included 43 runs and two crucial wickets. While Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal provided the foundation, and Rajat Patidar scorched the field with an unbeaten 93 off 33 deliveries, it was Krunal’s utility that caught Srikkanth’s eye.

The Gujarat Titans’ decision to field first backfired spectacularly. Despite an early breakthrough by Jason Holder, the partnership between Patidar and Pandya proved insurmountable. RCB finished with a staggering 254, a total that effectively demoralized the GT batting order from the first ball of their chase. The collapse, highlighted by Sai Sudharsan’s bizarre hit-wicket dismissal, underscored the pressure exerted by the RCB bowling unit, in which Krunal played a pivotal role.

Srikkanth’s Strong Endorsement

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth was unequivocal in his praise for the veteran all-rounder. “Krunal Pandya is the real catalyst for RCB with his all-around abilities. He deserves the Indian cap again. He played long back, but they dropped him. This is the right time to give him a chance again,” Srikkanth remarked.

Comparing the two players, Srikkanth was bold in his assessment: “He is suddenly miles ahead of Axar Patel in the T20 format. If you take the last two IPLs, he’s miles ahead.” The former selector believes that Krunal’s recent consistency with both bat and ball makes him an essential asset for the Indian team’s T20 future, extending his recommendation to include Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rajat Patidar for national consideration.

Analyzing the Stats

The numbers support the sentiment of a player in peak form. Throughout the 2026 IPL season, Krunal Pandya has functioned as a versatile floater in the batting order, providing stability and aggression in equal measure. Across 15 matches, he has accumulated 225 runs, maintaining a respectable average of 45 and a strike rate of 147. His contribution with the ball has been equally vital, claiming 13 wickets at an economy rate of 8.64.

This dual-threat capability allows the team flexibility in their tactical approach. Whether he is required to anchor an innings or accelerate during the death overs, or tasked with squeezing the scoring rate in the middle overs, Krunal has demonstrated the composure of a seasoned professional.

The Broader Impact on RCB

Beyond individual accolades, Srikkanth lauded the collective mindset of the RCB squad. The way they dismantled the GT bowling attack—leaving opposing captains in a state of tactical paralysis—is a testament to their current form. Kohli and Padikkal’s ability to set the tone, combined with the explosive finish provided by Patidar and the reliable support of Pandya, has made RCB a formidable force in this tournament.

As the international selectors look toward the next cycle of T20 cricket, the performance of players like Krunal Pandya cannot be ignored. While the debate between him and Axar Patel will likely continue among fans and pundits, the backing of a former chief selector carries significant weight. Whether this leads to a formal selection remains to be seen, but Krunal has certainly made his case on the biggest stage of the IPL.